The 2024 NFL preseason has offered a tantalizing glimpse into the potential impact of this year's first-round rookies. From quarterback performances to defensive prowess and offensive line improvements, the preseason narratives are rich with talent assessments.
Quarterbacks Show Promising Signs
Caleb Williams showcased his potential as he completed 50% of his throws, while averaging 8.5 yards per attempt over 42 snaps. His performance reflected a promising balance between efficiency and explosiveness. Jayden Daniels was remarkably accurate, connecting on 12 of his 15 attempts for 123 yards, managing to avoid both touchdowns and interceptions, which highlights his precision and decision-making.
Drake Maye delivered a mixed yet hopeful performance throughout the preseason. In his first two games, he threw for 66 yards on 8 of 14 passing. However, in the finale against the Commanders, Maye demonstrated substantial improvement, completing 13 of 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. Similarly, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix both showed potential, each completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards in their respective appearances.
Wide Receivers & Their Impact
Among the rookie wideouts, Malik Nabers made an impression with four catches for 54 yards in his second preseason game. Rome Odunze had a memorable moment with a single catch that went for 45 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. was consistent across the preseason, amassing 93 yards with three catches. Xavier Worthy experienced a roller-coaster performance, scoring a touchdown but also fumbling the ball, demonstrating both his potential and areas for growth.
Offensive Line Development
Protecting the quarterbacks and paving the way for the running game, several rookie offensive linemen have also made their mark. Joe Alt showed significant improvement in his pass protection during his second preseason game, confirming his potential as a reliable protector. Olu Fashanu had a challenging start by allowing pressure on his first professional pass-pro set but quickly demonstrated his ability in run blocking, suggesting a balanced skill set.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side, Laiatu Latu made his presence felt by recording a sack in just 13 pass-rushing snaps during Indianapolis's third game. Byron Murphy and Dallas Turner were both impactful, generating two pressures each over 20 pass-rushing snaps. In contrast, Chop Robinson struggled, recording no pressures across two games, indicating an area for further development.
Secondary Strengths
Cornerbacks also had their moments in the spotlight. Quinyon Mitchell was nearly impenetrable, allowing only two catches for eight yards, showcasing his shutdown capabilities. Nate Wiggins was particularly impressive; he recorded three pass breakups in a single drive and allowed no receptions on two targets in the final game, solidifying his role as a defensive asset.
Special Teams & Beyond
Beyond offensive and defensive responsibilities, special teams play remains a critical component of the game. Tyler Guyton displayed positive shifts in his special teams performances across two preseason matchups, indicating his versatility and commitment to contributing in various the game phases.
Overall, the 2024 NFL preseason has not only been an exhilarating showcase of rookie talent but also a vital learning curve for these young athletes. As they transition from the preseason to regular-season action, the foundational strengths and skills displayed offer a promising outlook for their careers ahead.